A National Touring Exhibition | Dates Available Through 2027
Discover the Legacy of Romare Bearden
Romare Bearden (1911–1988) was more than an artist—he was a cultural force, a storyteller, and a champion of social change. His groundbreaking collages, paintings, and prints shaped American art and challenged societal narratives with bold, layered imagery.
Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary presents a curated selection of his most powerful works, showcasing how Bearden used art as a tool for storytelling, resistance, and reimagining Black identity in America. Through original collages, watercolors, limited edition prints, rare archival materials, and more, this exhibition offers an immersive journey into Bearden’s world.
Bring Bearden to Your Institution
Romare Bearden’s “Slave Ship” (1971) – A powerful depiction of the transatlantic slave trade, capturing the anguish and endurance of enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage.
Why Bring This Exhibition to Your Institution?
- 🎨 An Iconic Artist – Bearden is widely regarded as one of the most influential visual artists of the 20th century, with works in the collections of MoMA, the Whitney Museum, and the Smithsonian.
- 📖 A Story of Social Change – His art draws from history, literature, music, and the African American experience, making it an essential cultural and educational resource.
- 🏛 Engage Your Audience – With its visually striking, collage-driven aesthetic and rich historical themes, this exhibition resonates with a wide range of visitors, from scholars to students to art enthusiasts.
- 🎭 Multi-Disciplinary Appeal – Bearden’s work intersects with jazz, literature, and civil rights history, offering opportunities for programming and community engagement.
Exhibition Details
Romare Bearden’s “Roots (Odyssey)” (1977) – An evocative exploration of African heritage and the enduring spirit of the diaspora, intertwining historical and mythological narratives.
- Contents: 50 works in various mediums, plus interpretive text panels
- Space Requirements: 200 – 250 linear feet
- Availability: Now booking through 2027
- Loan Fee: Available upon request
- Host Institution Responsibilities: Shipping and insurance
Curated by the Romare Bearden Foundation
Managed in partnership with Landau Traveling Exhibitions, this exhibition brings together Bearden’s legacy with expert curation, ensuring a compelling and cohesive visitor experience.
Romare Bearden’s “Martin Luther King Jr. – Mountain Top” (1968) – An abstract tribute capturing the essence of Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the heights of his visionary leadership.
Current & Upcoming Venues
🖼 On View Now:
- Flint Institute of the Arts, Flint, MI
📍 Recent & Future Stops Include:
- National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN
- The Frick Pittsburgh, PA
- Fenimore Museum, Cooperstown, NY
🔓 Booking Available for 2026–2027!
Bring Romare Bearden to Your Institution
Interested in hosting this transformative exhibition? Contact us today to learn more about loan fees, schedules, and promotional materials.
📧 Email: info@a-r-t.com
📞 Phone: 310-397-3098
🌎 More Information: www.a-r-t.com
All images: Romare Bearden: Art © Romare Bearden Foundation, Inc./Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
Enhance Your Programming
Ask about our optional educational materials, public programs, and digital resources to enrich the visitor experience.
📜 Download List of Works | 📖 View Text Panels
Header Image: Romare Bearden’s “Siren’s Song” (1979) – A dynamic screenprint from the Odysseus Suite, illustrating Odysseus’s encounter with the Sirens, blending classical mythology with African American cultural elements.